Austen's classic novel inspires hip-hop musical

Contemporary-set tale, which takes place at an inner-city high school, revolves around a stepbrother and stepsister. Film will include at least 15 song and dance numbers. Tyger Williams penned the screenplay.

Screen Gems topper Clint Culpepper said he came up with the idea for “Emma,” which will likely be redubbed “Emme,” after watching the musicvideo “Lipgloss” by Lil Mama.

Austen’s novel also inspired the Alicia Silverstone starrer “Clueless,” which was set in a suburban Southern California high school.

“Now it’s urban,” Culpepper said. “This is the way it should be reimagined in the new millennium.”

“Emma” marks the fifth project Benderspink has set up post-WGA strike. The shingle also is producing “Urge” for Barbarian Films, “Shell Game” for Columbia Pictures and Lakeshore, “Leap Year” for Spyglass and “Cutlass Island” for New Regency.